Chinese trumpet creeper
Campsis grandiflora
Overview
The Chinese trumpet creeper is an incredible plant species that is popular for its vibrant orange-red flowers. It grows well in normal soil and will thrive in sunny areas with some protection from the wind. Its trumpet-shaped blooms reach up to 6 inches in width and produce a pleasant fragrance, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. Its dense, velvety foliage will help provide thick cover for the garden, while its vigorous growth can cover fences, arbors, and trellises. The Chinese trumpet creeper is a stunning plant that will add beauty and color to any landscape.
Care Guide
Watering
Chinese trumpet creeper prefers moist soil, so water regularly to keep soil evenly moist. During the growing season, water once or twice a week, making sure the soil is thoroughly saturated. In more arid climates, the plants may require more frequent watering. During the dormant period in winter, water sparingly, allowing the upper 2 inches of the soil to dry out before rewatering. Deep watering once a week should be sufficient to keep the plant healthy.
Light
Chinese trumpet creeper prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimum flowering. It is best to place the plant in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. During the winter, some afternoon sun is beneficial, especially when temperatures are mild.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 6-9.
Pruning
For Chinese trumpet creeper, it is recommended to prune it back to about 2-3ft in the late winter or very early spring. This will help to ensure that it blooms more vigorously and will also help to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. Pruning can also be done in the summer months, where selective pruning of dead, diseased or damaged growth can remove deadwood and promote healthy new shoots. It is also helpful to remove any downward facing branches, as these can block sunlight to the interior of the plant. All of this can help encourage the plant to maintain a neat and tidy shape and encourages larger bloom clusters come summer.
Propagation
Stem Propagation, Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation, Air Layering Propagation, Division, Seed Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Hummingbirds.
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